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Picolax/Picoprep
Picolax/Picoprep is an osmotic laxative bowel preparation that draws water into the intestines to promote evacuation.
Picolax/Picoprep is an osmotic laxative bowel preparation that draws water into the intestines to promote evacuation. Used for Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, Bowel cleansing prior to barium enema or other colorectal procedures.
At a glance
| Generic name | Picolax/Picoprep |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Picosulphate |
| Sponsor | Fremantle Hospital and Health Service |
| Drug class | Osmotic laxative / bowel preparation |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The formulation combines sodium picosulfate (a stimulant laxative prodrug) with magnesium citrate (an osmotic agent). Sodium picosulfate is metabolized by colonic bacteria to bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-methane, which stimulates colonic contractions. Magnesium citrate creates an osmotic gradient that increases stool water content, promoting bowel movement and cleansing.
Approved indications
- Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy
- Bowel cleansing prior to barium enema or other colorectal procedures
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Investigate Bowel Cleansing With PLENVU® Compared to Sodium Picosulfate in Participants Aged 1 to < 18 Years of Age in Preparation for Colonoscopy (PHASE3)
- Study Assessing CLENPIQ as Bowel Preparation for Pediatric Colonoscopy (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Comparing the Bowel Cleansing Efcacy of Picosulfate Sodium/ Citric Acid / Magnesium Oxide and Polyethylene Glycol: A Randomized Trial in Taiwan (NA)
- The Effect of Video-Based Education on Colonoscopy Preparation (NA)
- PEG-Asc Vs. SPMC for Bowel Preparation in Capsule-based Procedures (NA)
- Efficacy, Tolerance and Safety of Split Dose Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: 4L Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Versus 1L Polyethylene Glycol Plus Sodium Picosulfate-magnesium Citrate (SPMC) (PHASE4)
- Validation of a Prediction Model for Inadequate Bowel Preparation
- Bowel Cleansing Performance of the Pure-Vu System in Patients With a History of Poor Bowel Preparation (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |